Water main break causes problems on Connecticut Ave. (Video)

WASHINGTON – One southbound right lane of Connecticut Avenue has reopened after a water main break closed the southbound lanes for much of Tuesday morning.

A 12-inch pipe burst on Connecticut Avenue between M and N streets in Northwest after midnight. The break caused both directions of Connecticut Avenue to close to traffic near Dupont Circle. By 5 a.m., the northbound lanes reopened.

One southbound lane between 18th Street, N and M streets reopened just before 10:30 a.m.

Authorities say it is unclear when water will be restored to the area.

Chief of External Affairs for DC Water John Lisle says as a result of the water main break, four commercial properties are without water — two of which are commercial high-rise properties.

The initial time for repair was expected to be completed in eight to 10 hours, but it may take longer, Lisle says.